When Bowral Classic charity partner KidsXpress began in 2006 it launched a world first, transdisciplinary approach to early intervention trauma therapy for children.
This much-needed service comprises of a unique program that combines modalities of expressive therapy including music, art, drama, dance and play therapy. Through the innovative program KidsXpress supports children that are living with the impacts of trauma such as grief, loss, neglect, and physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
Over 10 years KidsXpress has grown to support more than 2500 vulnerable children and become a leader in the field through our programsâ outcomes, research and overall impact on children, families, schools and the broader community.
KidsXpress’ mission is to transform the lives of children impacted by trauma through our innovative expressive therapy program. We hope to create generational change by inspiring children to thrive and, through sharing our knowledge of trauma-informed care to support families, schools and communities to better manage and minimise the impact of childhood trauma.
Be Inspired By Dr Ben Rockett
Dr Ben Rockett is the General Manager of Programs at KidsXpress, Ben is also an accomplished cyclist, holding the world record for the Landâs End to John oâGroats Return (3,025 kms in 5days 21hours 8 minutes) between 2010 and 2017.
Ben crossing the Canadian Arctic on one of his incredible cycling adventures!
Ben has also cycled across the USA, raced across Europe with the Disney cycling team, finished 4th at the 2012 24 Hour Time Trial World Championships and was the first person to traverse Baffin Island, in the Canadian Arctic, by bicycle.
Benn has some expert tips for riders taking part in the Bowral Classic:
Benn’s Pre-Ride Tips
1Â Â Â Â Nothing should be a surprise on the event day.
1.1Â Â Â Â In these final weeks leading up to the event ensure you hone your food, drinks, and clothing for the day.
2.2Â Â Â Donât try something new at the event. If you are going to use a sports drink, gel, or bar, or anything else for that matter, say, tuna sandwiches strapped to your handlebar, make sure you have used whatever it is in your longer training rides leading into the event. Donât surprise your belly with something new on the day!
2.3   If youâre saving a fancy new piece of kit for a big unveil at the event, show it off before! You donât want to be finding out that your new shoes are a bit uncomfortable, or you didnât quite place the cleat in the right position after 3 hours of riding around Bowral. Test them before! Same with your event jersey⊠ride in it before the event so that you can tear out that frustrating scratch label well in advance of the sweaty climbs that the Bowral route planners have thrown in as a test for all!
2Â Â Â There is still time to get in some longer rides.
2.1   Letâs acknowledge that the most common thing to hear on the start line is: âI havenât done much / enough trainingâ. If you signed up for a hefty distance and you havenât had time to get around to the training you would have liked, thereâs still time to get the hours into your body. You donât need to ride 100kms in one go if you havenât already, but you can find a cafĂ© thatâs 50kms away, ride there, enjoy a few hours eating, resting, recovering and then pedal your second 50kms home. Break up the total distance and recognise that with enough time on the bike, youâll make it!
Dr Ben Rockett is a passionate road cyclist and looking forward to riding the 2017 Bowral Classic.
During The Event
1.       Be bold â start cold.
1.1   If last year is anything to go by, the start line was freezing! But be bold and start cold⊠if you are toasty warm when you begin, you will soon be overheating along the road. Do keep something light and small with you to don when / if you stop. If youâre too warm when youâre riding you will suffer as a result, or you will end up with half a wardrobe tied to your waist / bike frame. Traveling light is also a good way to encourage yourself to keep moving!
2.       Eat! Eat before you are hungry and in a dreamy state thinking about a lasagne or smashed avocado and eggs on toast. Or if youâre a gluten free vegan, just the avocado.
2.1Â Â Â If you donât have a well refined food strategy that you already know works for you, try packing small (bitesized) snacks so that you can eat one every 20 minutes. I pack a few fig rolls. And do that from the outset. Eating small bites regularly will keep you going. Donât binge eat at the stops; though you will likely want to gorge yourself if you donât eat between. Itâs not long-lunch table service at the rest stops, so eat a little, pack a little, and carry on.
The Bowral Classic organisers thank Ben for his valuable tips and would urge riders to support & find out more about KidsXpress – full details at https://kidsxpress.org.au
